Top 10 Automated Dispatch Software’s For Trucking Companies
By Komal Puri | October 13, 2022
Selecting the best dispatch software for your trucking company is no small feat. With the industry evolving rapidly and countless software providers offering similar promises—improving fleet efficiency, reducing costs, and optimizing routes—it's easy to feel overwhelmed. As trucking businesses juggle complex logistics, driver management, and tight delivery schedules, the right dispatch software can make all the difference. From real-time tracking to load optimization and compliance management, each solution comes with its own strengths.
To help you navigate the sea of options, we’ve researched and put together a curated list of the top 10 trucking dispatch software platforms for trucking companies in 2024. These platforms are designed specifically for the unique needs of trucking operations and freight brokers, offering advanced features to streamline your business processes. Whether you're managing a large fleet or an independent operation, these solutions offer the tools you need to boost productivity, enhance communication, and ultimately grow your bottom line.
Dive into our guide to compare the most up-to-date features, pricing, and capabilities to make an informed decision for your trucking business.
What is dispatch software?
Dispatch software is a digital tool used by businesses, especially in industries like trucking, logistics, and delivery, to manage and optimize the assignment of tasks, routes, and schedules for drivers or fleets. It helps streamline the process of assigning shipments, monitoring vehicle locations, and ensuring timely deliveries. Dispatching software typically includes features like real-time tracking, automated route planning, driver communication, and load management.
Dispatch Software for trucking companies, plays a critical role in ensuring that freight is picked up and delivered efficiently, reducing downtime and operational costs. By automating many manual processes, dispatching software improves fleet performance, enhances communication between drivers and dispatchers, and provides visibility into operations. This leads to better customer service, increased productivity, and improved decision-making for fleet managers.
Key factors to choose trucking dispatch software
When choosing the right trucking dispatch software for your business, several key factors should be considered to ensure it meets your operational needs and improves efficiency. Here are the top factors to evaluate:
1. Ease of Use
The software should have an intuitive and user-friendly interface. Both dispatchers and drivers should be able to use it easily without extensive training. A complex system could slow down operations rather than streamline them.
2. Real-Time Tracking
Look for software that offers real-time GPS tracking of your fleet. This feature allows you to monitor vehicle locations, improve route efficiency, and provide accurate delivery updates to your customers.
3. Route Optimization
The ability to plan and optimize routes is crucial for reducing fuel costs, avoiding traffic delays, and improving delivery times. Software with advanced route optimization can make a big difference in your overall operational efficiency.
4. Integration with Other Systems
Ensure the dispatch software integrates seamlessly with other systems you use, such as fleet management, accounting, or fuel management platforms. Integration reduces the need for manual data entry and helps create a more streamlined workflow.
5. Scalability
Choose software that can grow with your business. Whether you're managing a small fleet or hundreds of trucks, the platform should be able to scale up as your needs expand without losing efficiency or functionality.
6. Automation Features
Automation is a key benefit of dispatch software. Look for features like automatic scheduling, load assignment, and alerts for maintenance or compliance. This reduces manual tasks and improves productivity.
7. Compliance Management
Trucking companies need to comply with industry regulations, such as Hours of Service (HOS) rules and Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) requirements. Ensure the software includes compliance tracking and reporting to avoid violations.
8. Driver Communication
Effective communication between dispatchers and drivers is essential. The software should support real-time messaging, updates, and alerts to ensure everyone stays informed and aligned.
9. GPS Tracking
GPS tracking allows real-time vehicle monitoring, providing accurate location and speed data. This enhances routing efficiency, reduces delays, and ensures timely deliveries. By optimizing routes with real-time updates, companies can save fuel and improve customer satisfaction.
10. Scheduling and Job Tracking
It should streamline task management with drag-and-drop scheduling and job tracking features. Dispatchers can assign tasks, monitor progress in real-time, and adjust schedules on the go, ensuring smooth operations and improved job completion rates.
11. Integration Features
Seamless integration with payroll, accounting, and CRM systems reduces manual data entry and streamlines operations. This allows for efficient information flow across platforms, improving labor compliance, customer management, and overall business processes.
12. Scalability and Integration Capabilities
Scalability is key for businesses that aim to grow. The software should accommodate expanding operations, handling more jobs, users, and data as the business evolves. Additionally, integration with existing systems, such as payroll, CRM, and data management platforms, is essential for streamlining operations and reducing manual processes. Aggregated reporting and customizable solutions ensure the software fits the specific needs of your business, no matter the size.
13. Mobile Accessibility
Mobile accessibility is a critical feature for businesses with personnel on the move. Mobile apps supports or in-app messaging allows workers to access job information, receive updates, and communicate in real-time, no matter their location. This improves field service management, enabling staff to handle scheduling and job tracking directly from their mobile devices, which boosts efficiency and responsiveness.
14. Pricing Considerations
Pricing is a vital factor, but it should be weighed against the software's features and long-term benefits. Resource management tools, communication platforms, and onboarding services all contribute to overall value. Evaluating how the software helps reduce operational inefficiencies, optimize routing, and improve service delivery can help businesses justify the investment. Look for flexible pricing options that align with your operational needs and growth plans.
Benefits of Dispatch Software
Route Optimization & Route Planning
Route optimization is a powerful feature that helps reduce fuel costs, minimize driver hours, and improve delivery times. By setting parameters like speed, shortest distance, or high-priority customers, businesses can tailor routes to meet specific needs, ensuring faster and more cost-effective deliveries. Optimized routes also contribute to overall fleet management efficiency, reducing unnecessary mileage and enhancing service delivery.
Improves Customer Experience
Enhances the customer experience by providing real-time updates on order status, which reduces the need for customer inquiries. With real-time tracking and communication tools, customers can easily access relevant information about their deliveries, leading to higher satisfaction levels. This transparency and improved communication help build trust and foster long-term customer relationships.
Automation Benefits Beyond Scheduling
Beyond just automating scheduling, it streamlines many manual tasks, improving overall operational efficiency. Automated scheduling minimizes human error, while automated data entry and analysis ensure higher accuracy in reporting. With features like integration with ERP systems and real-time tracking, it reduces administrative burdens and improves field service management, allowing businesses to focus more on service quality and growth.
10 Best Trucking Dispatch Software of 2024
If you wish to maximize timely and accurate deliveries, you can consider automating your dispatch tracking process with automatic dispatch software that can help you overcome the following challenges -
- Eliminating manual dependencies
- Prolonged delivery turnaround-time
- Poor driver productivity
- Lack of visibility over ground-level delivery operations
- Inefficient delivery route planning
- Diminishing customer experience
#1 FarEye
FarEye is a leading logistics platform designed to optimize and streamline trucking operations for businesses of all sizes. Focused on improving fleet efficiency, reducing operational costs, and enhancing customer satisfaction, FarEye's trucking management software is equipped with advanced tools to automate and optimize dispatch, route planning, and delivery execution. Whether you're managing a fleet of a few trucks or hundreds, FarEye helps trucking companies run their operations more smoothly and efficiently.
FarEye's Pitch
FarEye offers a comprehensive solution to manage trucking operations, helping companies automate complex logistics workflows, improve route optimization, and ensure timely deliveries. The platform is designed to enhance real-time visibility, reduce fuel consumption, and deliver exceptional customer service through intelligent delivery management.
Key Features
Real-Time Tracking: Monitor your fleet in real time with GPS-enabled tracking.
Route Optimization: Automatically plan the most efficient routes for your deliveries.
Driver Management: Streamline communication and task assignment to drivers.
Automated Dispatch: Assign loads and schedules with minimal manual intervention.
Compliance Management: Ensure your fleet meets all industry regulations and standards.
Analytics & Reporting: Gain actionable insights into your operations through detailed reports.
Geofencing: Get alerts when trucks enter or leave designated areas, ensuring route compliance.
Pricing
FarEye offers flexible pricing based on business needs and fleet size. For detailed pricing, contact their sales team.
Notable Customers
FarEye is trusted by global brands like DHL, Amway, Walmart, and Blue Dart to streamline their logistics operations and improve delivery efficiencies.
#2 AscendTMS
AscendTMS is a cloud-based trucking management software designed to simplify logistics and fleet management for trucking companies, brokers, and shippers. Known for its user-friendly interface and scalable features, AscendTMS enables businesses to handle dispatch, load management, route optimization, and invoicing from a single platform, making it a popular choice for companies of all sizes.
AscendTMS provides a comprehensive, easy-to-use solution for trucking companies looking to streamline their operations without the need for expensive hardware or IT teams. The platform is cloud-based, allowing users to access critical information and manage their fleets from anywhere, ensuring more efficient and cost-effective operations.
Key Features
Cloud-Based Access: Manage your trucking operations from anywhere with an internet connection.
Load & Dispatch Management: Easily assign loads and manage dispatching in real-time.
Invoicing & Payments: Integrated invoicing system to simplify billing and payments.
Driver Management: Keep track of driver performance and assignments.
Route Optimization: Automatically find the best routes to save time and fuel.
Real-Time Tracking: Monitor vehicle locations and progress in real-time.
Document Management: Easily store and access important documents such as BOLs and PODs.
Pricing
AscendTMS offers free and premium versions starting at $99/month per user for additional features.
Notable Customers
AscendTMS is used by thousands of trucking companies, including brokers and shippers, and is trusted by businesses like XPO Logistics and Armstrong Transport.
#3 Samsara
Samsara is a comprehensive fleet management platform that combines hardware and software to offer trucking companies real-time insights into their operations. Specializing in vehicle telematics, compliance, safety, and dispatch, Samsara’s solutions help businesses optimize fleet performance while ensuring regulatory compliance and driver safety.
Samsara’s trucking management software delivers real-time data through its connected devices, enabling trucking companies to monitor fleet performance, ensure driver safety, and comply with industry regulations. With its powerful suite of telematics and fleet management tools, Samsara helps fleets reduce costs and increase efficiency, all while staying compliant with government regulations.
Key Features
Telematics & GPS Tracking: Real-time tracking and telematics for complete visibility into fleet performance.
Dash Cams: AI-powered cameras to monitor driver behavior and improve safety.
Driver Safety: Tools to reduce unsafe driving behavior with real-time alerts and coaching.
Compliance Management: Keep up with ELD, HOS, and DVIR compliance requirements.
Route Optimization: Plan and optimize routes to improve fuel efficiency and reduce delivery times.
Fuel Usage Monitoring: Track fuel consumption to minimize waste and lower operational costs.
Maintenance Alerts: Receive proactive alerts for vehicle maintenance to prevent breakdowns.
Pricing
Samsara’s pricing is customized based on fleet size and specific needs. Contact their sales team for a quote.
Notable Customers
Samsara is trusted by leading companies like Nestlé, Coca-Cola, and Ryder, helping them improve fleet efficiency and safety through innovative telematics and fleet management solutions.
#4 ProTransport
ProTransport is a comprehensive trucking management software designed to streamline operations for trucking companies, freight brokers, and carriers. Offering end-to-end solutions, ProTransport integrates dispatch, accounting, maintenance, and driver management into one platform, allowing users to manage every aspect of their business with ease.
ProTransport delivers an all-in-one trucking management solution that allows companies to manage their entire operation from dispatching to billing in a single system. With its seamless integration of back-office and fleet management functions, ProTransport helps businesses save time, reduce errors, and increase overall efficiency.
Key Features
Integrated Accounting: Manage billing, payroll, and expenses directly within the platform.
Dispatch & Load Management: Streamline dispatch and easily assign loads to drivers.
Driver Management: Keep track of driver schedules, performance, and compliance.
Maintenance Tracking: Monitor fleet health and schedule preventive maintenance.
Document Management: Digitally store important documents like BOLs and invoices.
Fuel & Expense Tracking: Track fuel usage and expenses to reduce costs.
Customer Portal: Offer clients a portal to track shipments and access invoices.
Pricing
ProTransport offers custom pricing based on fleet size and business needs. Contact their sales team for more details.
Notable Customers
ProTransport is trusted by a wide range of trucking companies, carriers, and logistics providers across North America, helping them streamline operations and improve profitability.
#5 Truckstop Go
Truckstop Go is a mobile-friendly platform designed to help trucking companies and freight brokers find and book loads quickly and efficiently. As part of the broader Truckstop.com marketplace, Truckstop Go is perfect for owner-operators and small to medium-sized fleets looking for a reliable tool to manage freight matching and dispatch.
Truckstop Go makes finding, booking, and managing loads easy by putting the power of the Truckstop.com marketplace in your pocket. With access to one of the largest freight networks in the industry, users can quickly connect with brokers and shippers to secure loads that fit their schedules and needs.
Key Features
Freight Matching: Instantly search and find available loads based on location and equipment.
Mobile Access: Manage dispatch and loads directly from your smartphone or tablet.
Rate Insights: Get real-time information on market rates to ensure profitable load bookings.
Load Booking: Book loads with just a few taps, reducing downtime between shipments.
Broker Credit Checks: Access detailed credit information on brokers before accepting loads.
Real-Time Alerts: Receive notifications about new loads and load status updates.
Document Upload: Digitally submit paperwork such as PODs and invoices through the app.
Pricing
Truckstop Go is part of Truckstop.com’s subscription packages, with pricing starting at $39/month.
Notable Customers
Truckstop Go is used by thousands of independent owner-operators, small fleets, and freight brokers across the U.S., connecting them to a vast network of available loads and shippers.
#6 McLeod Software
McLeod Software is a powerful trucking and transportation management solution designed to provide deep insights into fleet operations and improve decision-making. Built for larger fleets and logistics businesses, McLeod offers tools for dispatch, order management, accounting, and compliance, making it a highly scalable option for companies aiming for operational excellence.
McLeod Software is designed for fleets and logistics providers who need more than just basic dispatch tools. It offers a full suite of trucking management capabilities that help businesses improve operational efficiency, enhance customer service, and ensure compliance—all while providing robust analytics to support better decision-making.
Key Features
Order & Dispatch Management: Streamline order processing and dispatching with automated workflows.
Fleet Optimization: Use data-driven insights to improve fleet utilization and reduce empty miles.
Driver & Compliance Management: Ensure your fleet meets regulatory requirements like HOS and ELD.
Integrated Accounting: Handle billing, payroll, and financials directly within the system.
Real-Time Tracking: Monitor vehicle locations and performance through GPS tracking.
Document Imaging: Digitally manage documents such as bills of lading and proof of deliveries.
Business Intelligence Tools: Access real-time analytics and reporting to make data-driven decisions.
Pricing
McLeod Software offers customized pricing based on the specific needs and size of your business. Contact their sales team for detailed information.
Notable Customers
McLeod Software is trusted by large trucking companies, third-party logistics providers, and carriers such as Knight-Swift Transportation and Landstar, known for its scalable solutions and deep operational insights.
#7 Trimble
Trimble is a highly advanced trucking management solution that leverages cutting-edge technology to optimize fleet operations. With features designed to improve visibility, routing, safety, and compliance, Trimble is ideal for medium to large trucking companies looking for a comprehensive solution that integrates all aspects of fleet and logistics management.
Trimble provides a robust, data-driven trucking management system that helps companies increase productivity, reduce costs, and ensure compliance across their operations. From fleet tracking to maintenance and route planning, Trimble’s platform delivers the tools needed to maximize fleet efficiency and enhance customer satisfaction.
Key Features
Fleet Visibility: Real-time GPS tracking for full visibility into fleet operations.
Route Optimization: Plan the most efficient routes to minimize delays and fuel consumption.
Maintenance Management: Track vehicle health and schedule preventive maintenance.
Driver Safety: Monitor driver behavior and offer feedback to improve safety standards.
Compliance Management: Ensure HOS, ELD, and IFTA compliance with automated tools.
Data Analytics: Access powerful analytics to gain insights into fleet performance.
Fuel Management: Track fuel usage and optimize refueling strategies to lower costs.
Pricing
Trimble offers tailored pricing based on fleet size and specific business requirements. Contact their sales team for a personalized quote.
Notable Customers
Trimble’s solutions are trusted by industry leaders like UPS, FedEx, and Schneider to optimize logistics, improve efficiency, and enhance operational visibility.
#8 Axon Trucking Software
Axon Trucking Software is a fully integrated, real-time trucking management system designed for fleets of all sizes. Axon sets itself apart by providing real-time data updates across dispatch, accounting, maintenance, and fuel management, helping companies improve operational efficiency and profitability.
Axon offers a truly real-time solution where every department in your company is always working with the most current information. Axon’s unique approach eliminates redundant data entry and allows for instant communication between dispatchers, drivers, and accountants, saving time and reducing costly errors.
Key Features
Real-Time Data: Instantly update and access all data across the system with no delays.
Integrated Accounting: Handle billing, payroll, and expenses seamlessly within the platform.
Dispatch Management: Efficiently assign loads and monitor delivery progress.
Fuel Management: Track fuel consumption and generate IFTA reports.
Maintenance Tracking: Schedule and monitor fleet maintenance to minimize downtime.
Document Management: Store and manage documents like BOLs and PODs digitally.
Driver Settlements: Automatically calculate driver pay based on completed trips.
Pricing
Axon offers custom pricing based on the specific needs of the fleet. For detailed pricing information, contact their sales team.
Notable Customers
Axon is used by hundreds of trucking companies across North America, ranging from small fleets to large carriers, helping them improve efficiency, reduce administrative burdens, and enhance profitability.
#9 Tailwind TMS
Tailwind TMS is a cloud-based transportation management system designed for small to medium-sized trucking companies, freight brokers, and logistics providers. Tailwind helps businesses manage dispatch, invoicing, load tracking, and driver communications from a single platform, making it a cost-effective solution for companies looking to improve efficiency without heavy IT investments.
Tailwind offers an all-in-one TMS solution that helps trucking companies and freight brokers improve operational efficiency with minimal overhead. The software is easy to implement, user-friendly, and scalable, giving businesses the tools they need to manage loads, dispatch, and billing—all from a single, cloud-based platform.
Key Features
Cloud-Based Access: Manage operations from any location with internet access.
Dispatch Management: Easily assign and track loads in real time.
Load & Shipment Tracking: Monitor the status of shipments and provide updates to customers.
Accounting Integration: Generate invoices and manage payments directly within the platform.
Driver Communications: Communicate with drivers and share load details through the system.
Document Management: Store and organize key documents like PODs and rate confirmations.
Customer Portal: Provide customers with access to shipment tracking and billing information.
Pricing
Tailwind offers a subscription-based pricing model starting at $99 per user per month.
Notable Customers
Tailwind is trusted by small and mid-sized trucking companies and freight brokers across North America, helping them streamline operations and enhance customer service.
#10 Google Sheets: The DIY Approach
For trucking companies looking for a budget-friendly, DIY solution, Google Sheets can be an effective tool for managing basic dispatch, loads, and fleet tracking. While it lacks the advanced features of dedicated trucking software, Google Sheets offers flexibility, real-time collaboration, and customization for small businesses or startups that need a low-cost solution.
Google Sheets provides a simple and customizable approach for trucking companies that want to manage their operations without the cost of traditional software. With its cloud-based platform, real-time collaboration, and easy-to-use interface, Google Sheets can be tailored to handle tasks like dispatching, load tracking, and invoicing, all without the need for specialized software.
Key Features
Real-Time Collaboration: Multiple users can access and update data simultaneously.
Customizable Templates: Create custom templates for load tracking, dispatching, and billing.
Cloud Access: Access and update your documents from any device with an internet connection.
Basic Automation: Use formulas and scripts to automate tasks like calculating fuel costs or driver pay.
Document Sharing: Share load details and schedules easily with team members and clients.
Low-Cost Solution: No software licensing fees, making it an affordable option for small businesses.
Integration with Google Workspace: Sync with other Google tools like Gmail, Drive, and Calendar for seamless operations.
Pricing
Google Sheets is free to use with a Google account, or as part of Google Workspace subscriptions starting at $6 per user per month.
Notable Customers
Google Sheets is often used by small trucking businesses, startups, or independent owner-operators who need a simple, low-cost solution for managing basic fleet and logistics tasks.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, while other trucking management software options offer valuable features, FarEye stands out as the best choice for 2024. Its comprehensive platform provides unmatched real-time tracking, route optimization, and automation, making it ideal for businesses of all sizes. With proven results from leading global brands, FarEye delivers superior efficiency, scalability, and customer satisfaction, ensuring you stay ahead of the competition.
Komal Puri is a seasoned professional in the logistics and supply chain industry. As the AVP of Marketing and a subject matter expert at FarEye, she has been instrumental in shaping the industry narrative for the past decade. Her expertise and insights have earned her numerous awards and recognition. Komal’s writings reflect her deep understanding of the industry, offering valuable insights and thought leadership.